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Celecoxib capsules

What is this medicine?

CELECOXIB (sell a KOX ib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine is used to treat arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It may be also used for pain or painful monthly periods.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as chest pain; shortness of breath; pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg

signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose

signs and symptoms of kidney injury like trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

signs and symptoms of low red blood cells or anemia such as unusually weak or tired; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

Where should I keep my medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

cigarette smoker

coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day

heart disease

high blood pressure

history of stomach bleeding

kidney disease

liver disease

lung or breathing disease, like asthma

an unusual or allergic reaction to celecoxib, sulfa drugs, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not take other medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many non-prescription medicines contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Always read labels carefully.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. This can happen with no warning and may cause death. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your health care professional right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.

This medicine does not prevent a heart attack or stroke. This medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase the longer you use this medicine or if you have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, talk to your health care professional about using this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.